The medals recognise long service and in some cases acts of bravery.

They are testament to the dedication of our police officers and recognition of some of the dangerous situations they can face in daily routine.

Sergeant Trevor Bailey was recognised for his courage in confronting a violent offender in 2012.

Many other members were honoured for their actions and leadership during a serious 2013 incident in Echuca.

Assistant Commissioner Western Region Jack Blayney put the value of the medals into perspective during the ceremony.

"It's an opportunity for us to have a reflection on the work, about the work that we do in terms of making the community safer and protecting it from harm, and in some ways we have even taken this sort of work for granted,'' he said.

How true that our police force is a valued part of our community.

It's also true that many officers go about their service for the good of the community and not self adulation.

We're lucky to have such officers.

Thank you all for a job well done.